Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An electronic device comprising: a proximity sensor; and a controller configured to determine a direction of a gesture by a user on the basis of an output from the proximity sensor, using different judgment criteria in accordance with whether a hand the user uses to operate the electronic device is a right hand or a left hand, wherein the different judgment criteria associate a single predetermined direction of a gesture by the user with different directions of movement of the right hand or the left hand respectively, wherein the single predetermined direction corresponds to a same control process regardless of whether the right hand or the left hand is used.
2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the controller determines whether to use right hand judgment criteria or left hand judgment criteria different from the right hand judgment criteria, in accordance with whether the hand the user uses to operate the electronic device is a right hand or a left hand.
This invention relates to electronic devices with adaptive hand detection and input processing. The problem addressed is the lack of customization in touch or gesture-based interfaces, which often assume a default hand orientation, leading to suboptimal user experience for left-handed users. The invention provides an electronic device with a controller that dynamically adjusts input processing based on the user's dominant hand. The device includes sensors to detect which hand the user is using, such as touch sensors, motion sensors, or cameras. The controller then applies different judgment criteria for right-hand or left-hand operation, ensuring accurate and intuitive input interpretation. For example, swipe gestures or button presses may be processed differently depending on the detected hand. This adaptation improves usability by reducing errors and enhancing comfort for both right-handed and left-handed users. The system may also learn and refine its hand detection over time to improve accuracy. The invention is particularly useful in portable devices like smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology where hand orientation significantly impacts interaction.
3. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the controller determines the hand the user uses to operate the electronic device on the basis of at least one of a setting of the electronic device, an image captured by a camera, an operating state of the electronic device, and a mode of the electronic device.
This invention relates to electronic devices that adapt their operation based on the user's dominant hand. The problem addressed is the lack of automatic hand detection in electronic devices, which can lead to inconvenient or inefficient user interactions. The invention provides an electronic device with a controller that determines which hand the user is using to operate the device. This determination is based on one or more of the following: a user-specified setting in the device, an image captured by an onboard camera, the current operating state of the device, or the active mode of the device. For example, if the user has set a preference for right-handed operation, the device may adjust its interface or hardware layout accordingly. Alternatively, the device may analyze images from a camera to detect hand positioning or gestures, allowing it to dynamically adjust for left or right-handed use. The operating state or mode of the device, such as a gaming mode or a productivity mode, may also influence how the device interprets hand usage. This adaptive functionality enhances usability by tailoring the device's behavior to the user's natural hand preference.
4. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the proximity sensor is a single non-contact proximity sensor.
The invention relates to electronic devices equipped with proximity sensors for detecting nearby objects without physical contact. The primary problem addressed is the need for accurate and reliable proximity detection in electronic devices, particularly in applications where multiple sensors or contact-based methods are impractical or inefficient. The electronic device includes a single non-contact proximity sensor designed to detect the presence or absence of an object in its detection range. The sensor operates without requiring physical contact, making it suitable for applications where minimal interference with the environment is desired. The device may also include a processor configured to receive signals from the proximity sensor and determine the presence or absence of an object based on the sensor's output. The processor may further analyze the sensor data to distinguish between different types of objects or environmental conditions, enhancing the device's functionality in various scenarios. The use of a single non-contact proximity sensor simplifies the design, reduces cost, and improves reliability compared to systems requiring multiple sensors. This configuration is particularly useful in portable or compact electronic devices where space and power efficiency are critical. The sensor may employ various technologies, such as infrared, ultrasonic, or capacitive sensing, depending on the specific application requirements. The device may also include additional components, such as a display or input interface, to provide feedback or control based on the proximity sensor's detections.
5. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including computer program instructions to be executed by an electronic device comprising a proximity sensor and a controller, the instructions causing the electronic device to: determine, using the controller, a direction of a gesture by a user on the basis of an output from the proximity sensor, using different judgment criteria in accordance with whether a hand the user uses to operate the electronic device is a right hand or a left hand, wherein the different judgment criteria associate a single predetermined direction of a gesture by the user with different directions of movement of the right hand or the left hand respectively, wherein the single predetermined direction corresponds to a same control process regardless of whether the right hand or the left hand is used.
This invention relates to gesture recognition systems for electronic devices, specifically improving the accuracy of directional gesture detection based on whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. The problem addressed is the inconsistency in gesture interpretation when users operate devices with either hand, as traditional systems often apply uniform criteria, leading to misinterpretation of directional movements. The system includes a proximity sensor and a controller executing program instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The controller determines the direction of a user's gesture by analyzing proximity sensor output, applying distinct judgment criteria depending on whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. These criteria map a single predetermined gesture direction (e.g., a swipe) to different physical hand movements for right and left hands, ensuring the same control process is triggered regardless of the hand used. For example, a right-handed user's upward swipe may correspond to a different sensor output pattern than a left-handed user's upward swipe, but both gestures are interpreted as the same command. This approach enhances usability by adapting to the user's dominant hand, reducing errors in gesture recognition.
6. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium of claim 5 , wherein the proximity sensor is a single non-contact proximity sensor.
A system for detecting the presence of an object using a single non-contact proximity sensor. The sensor generates a detection signal when an object is within a predefined detection range. The system includes a controller that processes the detection signal to determine the presence of the object and triggers an action based on the detection. The action may include activating a device, logging the detection event, or transmitting a notification. The proximity sensor operates without physical contact, using technologies such as infrared, ultrasonic, or capacitive sensing. The system is designed to minimize false detections by filtering noise and adjusting sensitivity thresholds. The controller may also analyze signal patterns to distinguish between different types of objects or movements. The system is useful in applications like security monitoring, automated doors, or industrial automation where reliable, contact-free detection is required. The use of a single sensor reduces complexity and cost while maintaining accuracy. The system may further include calibration routines to optimize sensor performance under varying environmental conditions.
7. A control method for an electronic device comprising a proximity sensor and a controller, the control method comprising: determining, using the controller, a direction of a gesture by a user on the basis of an output from the proximity sensor, using different judgment criteria in accordance with whether a hand the user uses to operate the electronic device is a right hand or a left hand, wherein the different judgment criteria associate a single predetermined direction of a gesture by the user with different directions of movement of the right hand or the left hand respectively, wherein the single predetermined direction corresponds to a same control process regardless of whether the right hand or the left hand is used.
This invention relates to a control method for electronic devices equipped with a proximity sensor and a controller. The method addresses the challenge of accurately interpreting user gestures, particularly when the user may operate the device with either hand. The proximity sensor detects hand movements, and the controller determines the direction of the gesture based on sensor output. The key innovation is the use of different judgment criteria depending on whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. These criteria map a single predetermined gesture direction to different physical hand movements for right and left hands, ensuring consistent control functionality regardless of which hand is used. For example, a right-handed user’s upward swipe may correspond to the same control action as a left-handed user’s downward swipe, as the system adapts its interpretation based on hand dominance. This approach improves usability by accommodating natural hand movements while maintaining uniform control outcomes. The method enhances gesture-based interaction by reducing ambiguity and improving responsiveness in electronic devices.
8. The control method of claim 7 , wherein the proximity sensor is a single non-contact proximity sensor.
A system and method for controlling a device using a single non-contact proximity sensor to detect the presence or absence of an object. The technology addresses the need for accurate and reliable proximity detection in applications where contact-based sensors are impractical or undesirable, such as in harsh environments, high-speed operations, or where physical contact could damage the object or sensor. The method involves using a single non-contact proximity sensor to monitor a detection zone and generate a signal indicating whether an object is present within that zone. The sensor operates without physical contact, eliminating wear and tear while maintaining high sensitivity. The system processes the sensor's output to determine the object's presence or absence and triggers corresponding control actions, such as activating or deactivating a mechanism, adjusting operational parameters, or generating alerts. The use of a single sensor simplifies the design, reduces cost, and improves reliability compared to multi-sensor systems. The method is applicable in industrial automation, robotics, security systems, and consumer electronics, where precise and non-intrusive proximity detection is required. The system may include additional features, such as calibration routines, signal filtering, or adaptive thresholding, to enhance accuracy and robustness in varying environmental conditions.
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July 14, 2020
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